What is the problem with the cars?

The affected models have all been supplied with front passenger seat airbags by the same Japanese component supplier, Takata. Some of these airbags have been found to have safety defects. There is too much pressure in the bag so that when it is deployed it goes off with a bigger bang than necessary. This can lead to bits of plastic and metal flying into the windscreen and footwell, according to a Honda spokesman.

All the manufacturers affected are keen to stress that there is no risk to passengers from the airbag if there is not a crash – the bag will not inflate accidentally. There have been no incidents in the UK to date. The problem was highlighted following five incidents in the US and Japan. There have been no reported injuries resulting from the fault.

Is my car affected?

In the UK there are 76,000 Toyotas affected, 15,400 Hondas, 59,058 Nissans and 1,913 Mazdas.

The Toyota recall involves models produced between November 2000 and March 2004, and includes the Toyota Corolla, Yaris, Avensis, Avensis Verso, Picnic and Camry. These vehicles will have "X" to "54" registration plate identifiers.

The Honda models affected are those produced between 2001 and 2003. The bulk of these – around 15,000 – are Honda CRVs. The other 400 are made up of the Honda Jazz, Civic and Stream models.

The Nissan models were built between 2000 and 2004. The vehicles affected are: X-Trail, Patrol, Almera, Almera Tino, Terrano II and the 4x4 Pickup.

The Mazda recall affects only the first generation Mazda6 model, manufactured between 2002 and 2003.

What do I need to do if I think my car is affected?

Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mazda will all be writing to affected customers within the next 30 days. However, you can check before then. Toyota has set up a facility on its website that allows you to check whether your car is one of those affected. It will be fully up and running from the afternoon of Thursday 11 April. Alternatively, Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Mazda owners can contact their local dealership now to ask for an appointment to put things right.

What will happen to my car if it is affected?

Your local dealership will give you an appointment to get the airbag replaced. Toyota and Honda say this could take anywhere between 40 and 90 minutes to complete, so you will not need to leave your vehicle with the dealership overnight. There is no cost involved.

Am I entitled to any compensation?

No. Under code of conduct rules put in place by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), which governs manufacturer's recall campaigns, no compensation is allowed to be offered. "This is to stop accusations of compensation being seen as a bribe to keep customers quiet, for example," said a Toyota spokesman.